What Should I Do After a Semi Accident?

Truck accidents can be traumatic and life-changing experiences, and although you hope to never experience such a devastating event, everyone should know what to do after a semi accident in case that day comes.

The immediate aftermath of a truck accident can be hectic and frightening, but what you do during the minutes and hours following the crash can have a big impact on your health and your personal injury case.

If you or a loved one are looking for an auto accident attorney in Houston to protect your rights after a semi accident, call the attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta today at (713) 224-7644 and ask them to fight for you.

What should you not do after being involved in a crash?

Before we get into what to do after being involved in a semi accident, let’s first go over some of the most common things that people do wrong in these situations. If you remember anything about what to do after a truck accident, remember to prioritize your health, keep your mouth closed, and call a trusted attorney.

1. Do not forgo medical attention. Even if you believe that you aren’t seriously injured after you’ve been hit by a truck, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. Adrenaline runs high after Texas trucking accidents, and victims often don’t know the extent of their injuries for some time after the crash.
2. Do not admit fault or make any statements without talking to a lawyer. Do not say anything that could be construed as an admission of guilt. Even apologizing to somebody after an accident that was demonstrably not your fault can have disastrous consequences.
3. Do not settle with the insurance company without talking to a lawyer. You would be shocked at how much serious injuries after a semi accident can end up costing. Your initial medical bills will pale in comparison to the true cost of your injuries, and the insurance company is likely to make you a lowball offer knowing that you are in a vulnerable state.

Although there are many more considerations for you and your attorney and truck accident claims are long and winding roads, sometimes knowing what not to do after being involved in a semi accident in Houston is just as important as knowing what to do.

How do you deal with a truck accident?

What should I do at the scene of a truck accident? The moments immediately following a Texas truck accident are crucial for both your health and your potential truck accident lawsuit. Here’s what you should do after a semi accident:

1. Get medical assistance

The first priority is to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. If anyone is injured, seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911, and do not attempt to move anyone unless there is an immediate threat to their safety. As stated earlier, you should receive medical attention even if you believe that your injuries are minor.

2. Contact the police and make a police report

Even if the accident appears minor, it’s essential to contact the police and file a formal police report, which will serve as an important piece of evidence in any personal injury claims that may follow. Provide accurate and detailed information to the responding officers, and obtain a copy of the police report for your records, but make sure that you don’t admit to fault of any kind. 

3. Collect what evidence you can at the scene

What kind of evidence you can collect at the scene will depend on the circumstances of your truck accident, but can include:

• Photos of the accident and the surrounding scene, including vehicles, road conditions, and videos showing drivers and their behavior
• Insurance information, names, and contact information for everyone involved in the accident
• Names, contact information, and statements from any eyewitnesses on the scene

Remember, only collect evidence if it is not going to cause harm to you or anyone else on the scene. Do not put yourself in danger to collect evidence, and do not worry about the collection of evidence until you’ve received medical treatment.

Additionally, you should make sure to hold on to all correspondences and bills related to the accident. Keeping detailed records will help your attorney build a strong case and better estimate the cost of the harm you have suffered.

4. Do not speak to anyone at the insurance company or trucking company

After the accident, representatives from the insurance company or the trucking company may attempt to contact you. Remember that they are interested in minimizing their liability and settling claims quickly, not your health or well-being. 

Not only should you not accept anything from the insurance company without discussing it with your Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer first, but you shouldn’t even talk with the insurance company or the trucking company without your trusted attorney present to protect your interests.

5. Contact a Houston truck accident lawyer to protect your interests

A skilled Houston truck accident lawyer can help your case in incalculable ways, some of the more important ones being:

1. They can determine if you have a case. A good attorney can assess your case and let you know what to expect. You should know what your rights and options are for seeking restitution after a truck accident, and you empower yourself to do so with a skilled attorney.
2. They can determine how much you are really owed. By investigating the accident thoroughly, bringing in experts and additional resources, and using their knowledge of the circumstances that surround damages after truck accidents, your personal injury lawyer can help determine how much you deserve — not just the amount that the insurance company wants to give you.
3. They can handle negotiations and protect you from predatory tactics. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when attempting to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Having an expert on your side will make sure that you don’t fall victim to the large teams of attorneys and lowball offers.
4. They can prepare for litigation. If negotiations stall, your personal injury lawyer can represent you in court.

Seeking quality representation from a Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer might be the most important thing that you do after being involved in a wreck. Whether you were hit by a jackknifed truck or were involved in a pileup on the highway, the best thing you can do to protect your interests is to hire a trusted attorney to take your personal injury case.

Worried about what to do after a semi accident? Call the Houston truck accident lawyers at Grimes & Fertitta.

Although semi accidents can be frightening and overwhelming experiences, taking the right steps in the aftermath can help you make sure that you don’t suffer any more than you need to. Prioritizing your health, filing a police report, gathering what evidence you can, and not speaking to the insurance or trucking companies can help you position yourself for a successful recovery.

Don’t let yourself become a victim of corporations protecting their bottom lines, hire experienced and aggressive Houston truck accident attorneys — like the attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta — to represent your best interests.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi accident, call Grimes & Fertitta today at (713) 224-7644 or contact us online to set up a free consultation and begin the process of getting your justice.

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